The Goldfinches

Rhiannon kearns

Rhiannon trained as an actor at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA). She works as an actor and drama facilitator, and has accumulated extensive experience of facilitating and teaching disabled children and adults. Through this work she has learnt Makaton signing and is passionate about incorporating this into performance work, for both inclusion and communication benefits. Rhiannon has really enjoyed finding the balance between signing and artistic expression in this project.

Having grown up in rural Herefordshire countryside, she loves the outdoors and spending time exploring, walking and riding (horses and bikes!). She feels lucky to be at home in nature, and is thrilled to be part of The Lost Words’ journey in ensuring today's children have that connection too.

"It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love." - Stephen Hawking

Edenamiuki Aiguobasinmwin

Edenamiuki identifies himself as a social entrepreneur and creative practitioner. Working artistically as a choreographer and dancer predominantly in the genres of breaking (Break Dance) and contemporary dance, his artistic interests currently lie in exploring heritage, lived knowledge and the state of being ‘feral’.

Through working with contemporary theatre companies such as Stand and Be Counted Theatre, Third Angel, and Spoken Movement, Namiuki also explores topics of migration and racism.

"Adopt the peace of nature; her secret is patience." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

charlotte ashton

Charlotte is an ALRA North trained actor/singer, graduating in the summer of 2015. Prior to this she undertook over 10 years private, classical singing tuition with John Biddulph. Since graduating Charlotte has performed at the Royal Exchange and for Channel 4 shorts and has recently began her own singing channel online.

In addition to acting she has spent much of her time working with children in main stream education and home tutored young people, particularly those with additional needs. These roles have contributed to Charlotte’s passion for making theatre accessible to all, making this project the perfect opportunity. Reading, is also a hugely important aspect in her life and has always brought her so much joy, something she is extremely enthusiastic about encouraging both children and adults to explore through ‘The Lost Words’. Having also grown up in the depths of the countryside, Charlotte has always been able to explore nature of every kind and loves encouraging others to play and discover too, through the magical words of the book.

"To live would be an awfully big adventure" - J.M. Barrie

ALEX MCCOY

Alex is a professionally trained actor/musician and singer who graduated from ALRA North 3 years ago and previously attended Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester.

He has since performed for The Royal Exchange and Lowry in several projects, including “The Sanctuary from the Trenches” - in association with The National Trust. And Jeremy Deller’s “We’re Here because We’re Here”.

Outside of acting Alex works as a Youth Worker in his home town of Wigan; as a football coach and also as a supply teacher.

His passion for teaching is what drew him towards this project and after growing up surrounded by countryside, bringing all these words back into our lexicon, particularly children’s, he feels is paramount.

"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." - C.S. Lewis

GABRIEL PAYNE

Gabe is an eight year old actor from North Manchester. His film credits include "Pushing Buttons" (BFI film for HOME Mcr) and "Ceremony: The Return of Friedrich Engels", directed by Phil Collins for BBC and MIF17. He played Young Scrooge in a graduate theatre adaptation of "A Christmas Carol".

He plays drums and classical guitar, and is a member of the Hallé Children's Choir.

His passions are LEGO, Star Wars, film soundtracks, Marvel movies, and his Bedlington Terrier, Scout. He plans one day to write, direct and star in Back To The Future 4.